Infertility affects millions worldwide, and hormone evaluation plays a pivotal role in diagnosing underlying causes. Both men and women undergo specific hormone panels to assess reproductive function. This article provides a detailed overview of key hormones tested in male and female infertility panels, their clinical significance, and interpretation.
Understanding Infertility Hormone Panels
Infertility hormone panels evaluate hormones regulating reproductive function, gamete production, and ovulation. They help identify endocrine disorders that impair fertility.
Female Infertility Hormone Panel
Women’s hormone testing focuses on evaluating ovarian reserve, ovulatory function, and hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.
Key Hormones Tested in Females
| Hormone | Role | Clinical Significance | Typical Reference Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) | Stimulates ovarian follicle growth | High levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve or menopause | Day 3: 3.5 – 12.5 mIU/mL |
| Luteinizing Hormone (LH) | Triggers ovulation | Elevated LH: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); Low LH: Hypogonadism | Day 3: 2 – 15 mIU/mL |
| Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) | Reflects ovarian reserve | Low AMH: Poor ovarian reserve; High AMH: PCOS | 1.0 – 4.0 ng/mL (varies with age) |
| Prolactin | Regulates menstrual cycle and milk production | High levels can cause anovulation and infertility | 5 – 25 ng/mL |
| Estradiol (E2) | Ovarian estrogen hormone | Used to evaluate ovarian function and follicle development | Day 3: 25 – 75 pg/mL |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Controls thyroid hormone production | Thyroid dysfunction impacts fertility and pregnancy | 0.4 – 4.0 µIU/mL |
Additional Female Hormones Sometimes Tested
- Progesterone – to confirm ovulation
- Androgens (Testosterone, DHEA-S) – to check for androgen excess
- Anti-Thyroid Antibodies – in suspected autoimmune thyroiditis
Male Infertility Hormone Panel
Male infertility evaluation focuses on hormones controlling spermatogenesis and testosterone production.
Key Hormones Tested in Males
| Hormone | Role | Clinical Significance | Typical Reference Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) | Stimulates sperm production in testes | High FSH: Testicular failure; Low FSH: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism | 1.5 – 12.4 mIU/mL |
| Luteinizing Hormone (LH) | Stimulates testosterone production | High LH: Testicular failure; Low LH: Pituitary dysfunction | 1.7 – 8.6 mIU/mL |
| Total Testosterone | Main male sex hormone | Low levels may cause decreased libido, infertility | 300 – 1000 ng/dL |
| Prolactin | Regulates gonadal function | Elevated prolactin can suppress testosterone and cause infertility | 2 – 18 ng/mL |
| Estradiol (E2) | Low levels produced in males | High estradiol can impair spermatogenesis | 10 – 40 pg/mL |
Additional Tests in Male Infertility Workup
- Free Testosterone – biologically active fraction
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) – influences testosterone availability
- Genetic Testing – karyotype, Y-chromosome microdeletion
Interpreting Infertility Hormone Panels
Accurate interpretation requires correlation with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests such as semen analysis in males or ultrasound and ovulation studies in females.
When to Get Tested?
- Couples facing difficulty conceiving after 12 months of unprotected intercourse (6 months if woman is over 35)
- Irregular menstrual cycles or suspected ovulation disorders in women
- Signs of hormonal imbalance such as abnormal hair growth, libido changes, or erectile dysfunction in men
- Recurrent miscarriages or known genetic disorders
Conclusion
Infertility hormone panels are indispensable tools for diagnosing reproductive endocrine disorders in both men and women. Proper testing and interpretation guide effective treatment and increase the chances of successful conception.
Tags: Infertility Hormone Panel, Male Infertility Tests, Female Infertility Tests, FSH, LH, Prolactin, Testosterone, AMH, Reproductive Health
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